Once one of the most explosive backs in college football, Jaydn Ott is now fighting to remind NFL teams what he can be, and the Cincinnati Bengals may be among those willing to bet on that upside.
Ott, who is scheduled to meet with the Bengals, is a player whose career has included both elite production and recent uncertainty. At his best, he looked like one of the most dynamic runners in the country. During his standout 2023 season at California, he rushed for 1,315 yards and 12 touchdowns, earning
First-Team All-Pac-12 honors while showcasing the kind of burst and versatility that translate to the next level.
But his path since then has left a lot to be desired. An ankle injury slowed him in 2024, and a transfer to Oklahoma never fully produced the results many expected. Ott finished his final season in a backup role, leaving teams to weigh his strong start against a quieter finish to his college career.
Still, his pre-draft performances have helped put him back on the radar. Ott impressed at the Senior Bowl and backed it up with strong testing numbers at his pro day, including a 4.47-second 40-yard dash, a 40.5-inch vertical, and a 10-foot-11 broad jump.
The Bengals’ interest in Ott reflects a broader evaluation of their running back room. While Cincinnati’s offense runs through Joe Burrow and the passing game, the team has been searching for more consistency and explosiveness on the ground.
Ott brings big-play ability when healthy, proven production at the Power Five level, receiving upside out of the backfield, and athletic traits that suggest untapped potential. For a team looking to stay financially flexible while surrounding its franchise quarterback with weapons, targeting a mid-round running back with upside makes sense.
For the Bengals, this visit isn’t just about filling a roster spot. It’s about identifying value. And in Jaydn Ott, they see a player who may still have plenty to give.
